1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE VITALOGRAPH AIM

The device (Aerosol Inhalation Monitor) is designed to enable a medical professional to objectively assess in detail how the test subject uses their inhaler. This detailed knowledge allows the medical professional to assess and coach the test subject in perfecting their inhalation technique.

The main components for the Vitalograph AIM are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: Components of the AIM

Figure 2: Components of the AIM – User Interface

2. FEATURES OF THE VITALOGRAPH AIM

The Vitalograph AIM features include:

Assists in training patients to use their inhalers properly

Inspiratory acceleration at the start of inspiration

Timing of firing of MDI inhaler simulator

Inspiratory flow rate throughout inspiration

Inhalation time within target flow range

Breath hold time at the end of inhalation

Identifies and qualifies poor inhaler technique

Easy to use and hygienic.

Disposable MDI and DPI inhaler simulator mouthpieces

Clear sounds for audio feedback

Device guides the user through use

3. GETTING THE VITALOGRAPH AIM READY FOR USE

Remove the battery door from the rear of the unit. Fit four AAA 1.5V batteries, and replace the battery door.

Attach the dual silicone tubing (see Figure 1), to the port on the side of the AIM.

4. POWER MANAGEMENT IN THE VITALOGRAPH AIM

The AIM operates with 4 AAA 1.5V disposable batteries. If the battery light (See Figure 2) comes on the batteries need to be replaced. Replace the batteries by removing the battery door on the underside of the device.

Note: Dispose of used batteries safely.

5. OPERATING THE VITALOGRAPH AIM

Connect a new MDI or DPI inhaler simulator mouthpiece to the device via the silicone tubing.Note: The inhaler simulators are single patient use.

If an MDI inhaler simulator mouthpiece is being used insert the placebo.Note: If a placebo is not fitted then flow measurements will not be correct.

Press the power button and select the inhaler simulator option

DPI simulator

MDI simulator

Spacer simulator

Instruct the test subject to breath fully out, but not through the inhaler simulator.

Instruct the subject to position the inhaler simulator between the lips sealed around the mouthpiece.Note: Ensure that the holes adjacent to the tubing connection to the inhaler simulator are not obstructed.

Depending on the inhaler simulator option selected the following instructions should be followed:

DPI Simulator

Instruct the subject to take a forceful deep breath in until their lungs are full. The flow lights will light up.

The aim is to get the flow indicator into the green zone as quickly as possible, but not to inhale too fast.

The subject should continue to inhale until their lungs are full. The inhalation time lights will light up one second at a time.

The subject should hold their breath for as long as comfortable (at least 3 seconds). The breath hold lights will light up one second at a time.

When the subject ceases breath hold, press the end of breath-hold button.

MDI Simulator

Instruct the subject to take a slow deep breath and simultaneously press the placebo canister. The flow lights and the canister activation lights will light up.

The aim is to press the canister as the subject starts to inhale, and to continue to inhale for as long as possible, but not too fast.

The subject should continue to inhale until their lungs are full (at least 3 seconds). The inhalation time lights will light up one second at a time.

The subject should hold their breath for as long as comfortable (at least 3 seconds). The breath hold lights will light up one second at a time.

When the subject ceases breath hold, press the end of breath-hold button.

Spacer SimulatorNote: The MDI inhaler simulator mouthpiece is used to simulate the spacer. Do not attach a spacer.

Instruct the subject to press the canister just before or as inhalation starts. The canister activation lights will light up.

The Spacer Simulator allows the subject to take a single or multiple breaths.

The subject should continue until at least 3 seconds inhalation is achieved. The inhalation time lights will light up one second at a time.

The subject should hold their breath for as long as comfortable (at least 3 seconds). The breath hold lights will light up one second at a time.

When the subject ceases breath hold, press the end of breath-hold button.

Note: The operating instructions and results shown are for the generic AIM device. Some variants will have different operating instructions and results. Please refer to the individual Quick Start Guide for these variants.